SM Entertainment Member Removed from NCT Following Sexual Abuse Accusation

Introduction

SM Entertainment — the K-pop agency home to NCT, Aespa, Riize and more — has announced a member of NCT has been removed from the band following an accusation of an unspecified sexual abuse.

Details of the Incident

In a statement uploaded to X, SM Entertainment said 30-year-old Taeil had been “accused in a criminal case in relation to a sexual crime.” A spokesperson for the agency told Variety, “While assessing the facts related to this matter, we recognized the severity of the issue and determined that he can no longer continue team activities. After discussing with Taeil, it’s been decided that he will withdraw from the team.”

The agency continued by stating Taeil was “fully cooperating” with an ongoing police investigation, and apologized “for the controversy caused by our artist.”

NCT Universe and Taeil’s Role

NCT is the original entity of the NCT universe, SM Entertainment’s approach to a multi-part boy-band project. Initially conceptualized as having unlimited members, the NCT universe also includes the sub-unit NCT 127, NCT Dream and more. Taeil was part of the parent NCT unit as well as the NCT 127 sub-unit.

Previous Scandals and Denials

Earlier this year, SM Entertainment was forced to address another widely publicized scandal regarding NCT members Johnny and Haechan, in addition to Heechul of the group Super Junior. Allegations online accused the latter of being involved in sexual affairs with bar hostesses. SM Entertainment denied those rumors at the time.

NCT 127’s Success

NCT 127’s “Sticker — The Third Album” is their highest-charting and long-running album in the United States. It came in at No. 3 in 2021 with 3.6 million streams and was by far the best-selling album of its debut week, thanks in part to the K-pop industry’s commonly used strategy of selling the CD in a variety of deluxe physical packages.

FAQs

Q: What action did SM Entertainment take regarding the accusation against Taeil?

A: SM Entertainment removed Taeil from NCT following an accusation of sexual abuse and stated that he would no longer be part of team activities.

Q: What is the NCT universe and Taeil’s role in it?

A: The NCT universe is a multi-part boy-band project by SM Entertainment, with Taeil being part of the parent NCT unit as well as the NCT 127 sub-unit.

Credit: variety.com